Classic Southern Comfort: Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings, If you have visited Cracker Barrel, you know their chicken and dumplings are the best Southern comfort food warm, creamy, and loaded with soft, pillowy dumplings and succulent shredded chicken.
This simple homemade recipe can duplicate that same soothing taste in your kitchen! Simple, filling, and exactly like Grandma used to create.
If you love rich and creamy chicken dishes, you might also enjoy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole another hearty, indulgent meal.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Enjoy This Recipe?
✔ Real Cracker Barrel Flavor: Taste exactly like the restaurant favorite!
✔ Made from Scratch: Simple, straightforward, real ingredients for the greatest taste.
✔ Pillowy, Soft Dumplings : Perfectly soft and absorb all the great soup.
✔ One-pot meal; perfect for evening dinners; easy cleanup.
✔ Pure Comfort Food: Every taste of this cozy dish makes one feel as though they are hugged!
Ingredients
Chicken’s Ingredients Include:
- The thick, flavorful foundation is formed from four cups of chicken broth.
- Two cups of water will help to produce a light but tasty broth.
- Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts the main attraction of the meal!
- For ideal seasoning, toss black pepper (½ tsp) and salt (1 tsp).
- The broth gains complexity using half a teaspoon of onion powder and half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Dried thyme, ½ tsp, optional, has a subdued, earthy taste.
For the Dumplings:
- Two cups of all-purpose flour make the basis for soft, fluffy dumplings.
- Helps the dumplings puff up somewhat with half-tsp salt and baking powder.
- ¾ cup whole milk keeps them wet and soft.
- Three tablespoons of melted unsalted butter gives richness and a buttery taste.
👉 The complete ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card below!
Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings Made Right Way
First Step: Get the Chicken Cooked
- In a big pot, combine chicken broth, water, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme. Over medium heat, bring to a subdued boil.
- Add the chicken breasts, cover, and boil until completely cooked and tender between 20 and 25 minutes.
- Pull the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks.
Second Step: Create the Dumpling Dough
- Cook the chicken; meanwhile, make the dumplings:
- Whisk flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl; stir milk and melted butter until a dough forms.
- Lightly dust a surface, then roll the dough to roughly ¼-inch thickness.
- Cut in around 1-inch lengths, small rectangles, or squares.
Third Step: Boil the Dumplings
- Bring the broth gently to boil once more.
- One at a time, drop the dumplings, swirling just enough to avoid sticking.
- Lower heat to a simmer; cook covered for 15 minutes, stirring now and again.
Fourth Step: Add the Shredded Chicken
- Reintroduce the shredded chicken into the pot.
- Stir everything together, then boil for another five minutes until thickening.
Step Five: Present and Savor!
- Ladle into platters and present heated.
- Savor the rich, cozy tastes of this handcrafted favorite.
Pro Advice for the Perfect Dumplings and Chicken
✔ Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness; they remain especially tender and delicious.
✔ Don’t Overwork the Dough maintains soft and fluffy dumplings.
✔ Roll Dumplings Thin: The broth absorbs better thinner the dumplings are.
✔ Let the Broth Thicken Naturally: The naturally creamy dish results from the starch released by the dumplings.
✔ Want Extra Creaminess? Stir ¼ cup of heavy cream at the end for a smooth texture.
How Do You Present and Match Dumplings with Chicken?
- 😊 🍞 Perfect companion to soak up the mouthwatering broth is butter biscuits.
- Simple Side Salad helps to balance the dish’s richness.
- 🥦 Present with green beans, roasted carrots, or sautéed spinach.
- Roasted Veggies: A glass of white wine goes nicely with Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay!
Bonus Idea
- Reheat lightly on the stovetop; leftovers taste even better the next day!
Make Ahead and Organization and Storage
Keeping Leftovers
- Refrigerated in an airtight container, keep for up to three days.
- Reheat over: Add a little broth or water as necessary if the stovetop is overly hot.
Freezing
- Keep frozen in a sealed container for up to two months.
- Before serving, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently on the stove.
- Reheating Stovetop: Heat low, stirring now and then.
- Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Frequencies of Questions
Can I Eat Rotisserie Chicken?
Indeed. Just shred the rotisserie chicken before adding it; skip the cooking stage.
Could I Prepare This in a Slow Cooker?
Undoubtedly! After 4 to 6 hours of slow cooker low cooking the chicken and stock, add the dumplings, and simmer for another 30 minutes.
Could I Create Drop Dumplings Rather Than Rolled Ones?
Sure! Instead of rolling and chopping dough, drop tiny bits into the simmering soup.
How May I Make This Dish Thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water), or let it cook longer.
Conclusion
Warm, creamy, and packed with succulent chicken and soft, pillowy dumplings, this Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings is the perfect comfort meal.
It’s ideal for family dinners, cold evenings, or anytime you want a little cozy Southern comfort.
Try this recipe now to savor a handmade classic just as wonderful as or better than what you find in restaurants! 😊 Deliciousness
Happy and enjoyable cooking! 😊
Cracker Barrel Chicken and Dumplings (Copycat Recipe)
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme optional
For the Dumplings
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth, water, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the dumplings: In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir in milk and melted butter until a dough forms.
- Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into small rectangles or squares (about 1-inch pieces).
- Bring the broth back to a gentle boil. Drop the dumplings in one at a time, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for another 5 minutes until thickened.
- Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!